Grande Prairie Area Update

The wildfire danger is HIGH in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. A fire advisory is now in effect. Please use caution in forested areas, as a wildfire can start quickly and spread easily.

Active fires and the scars they leave behind pose significant risks to your safety. Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire. Ash pits can be nearly invisible, especially in low light or adverse smoky conditions. These ash pits can burn at extremely high temperatures, reach considerable depths, and continue smoldering long after the fire has passed. Damaged trees with burnt root systems can topple with little warning, triggering other trees to fall, especially if windy.

fire advisory wide

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to warm, dry, and windy conditions.

Under this advisory:

Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if dry conditions continue
New fire permits will still be issued on a case-by-case basis

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Municipalities, parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see a map of the exact area covered under this fire advisory.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Wildfire Situation

There are currently eight wildfires burning in the Grande Prairie Forest Area. All of these wildfires are under control (UC). Today, firefighters saw increased fire activity on both GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex. You may see smoke or flame within the existing boundary of a wildfire, this is normal. Please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area.

Since January 1, there have been 62 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area (GPFA), burning nearly 141,400 hectares.

Firefighters remain on alert for new wildfires and continue to monitor existing ones. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

2022 OHV Can cause wildfires Dirt Bike

GWF018 is classified as under control (UC) at 49,328 hectares. It is being managed by the Peace River Forest Area.

GWF019 is known as the Bald Mountain fire. It is classified as under control (UC) at 19,435 hectares. This wildfire is approximately 17 kilometers west of Highway 40.

GWF027 is classified as under control (UC) at 54,988 hectares.

GWF039 is located approximately 60 km southwest of Grovedale. It is classified as under control (UC) at 94 hectares.

GWF049 is located 17 km east of Valleyview and is currently classified as under control (UC) at 50 hectares.

GWF017 & GWF023 - Sturgeon Lake Complex (GCX001)

GWF017 is classified as under control (UC) at 5,479 hectares.

GWF023 is classified as under control (UC) at 3,889 hectares.

GWF035 & GWF038 - Boone Lake Complex (GCX002)

GWF035 is located 20 km north of Valhalla Center, near the northeast side of Boone Lake. This wildfire is 872 hectares in size and is classified as under control (UC).

GWF038 is located 10 km west of Deadwood Lake, in Township 77-10. This wildfire is 7,148 hectares and classified as under control (UC).

Wildfire Smoke

Numerous wildfires continue to burn in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, smoky conditions will persist. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

If you see smoke that is causing safety concerns to road conditions, please report to Alberta 511. Individuals experiencing smoke related health issues can contact Alberta Health. To see a map showing the smoke forecast please click here.

Fire Permits

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit to burn within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire.

Do not burn during windy conditions. You must evaluate the weather at your specific location and follow the conditions on your permit. You are responsible if a fire escapes the burn permit area. Albertans can request a free fire permit by contacting their local forestry office or using the online Fire Permit Portal. Contact your local fire guardian or visit a Forestry office for a permit.

Spirit River (780) 814 1983

Valleyview (780) 524 6576

County West (780) 814 1648

Thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

Wildfire Prevention

Recent dry conditions have increased the potential for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) fires to occur, the hot areas on your OHV can collect grass and other debris and start a wildfire. Clean your ride regularly throughout the day and carry a collapsible bucket with you in the event of a starting a wildfire.

We ask Albertans to be cautious if they are spending time in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta this long weekend. While it may feel like summer is coming to an end, wildfire season doesn’t officially end until October 31. Wildfires can start any time of year.

Wildfire prevention is everyone's responsibility. Be careful with fire and limit the number of human caused wildfires in our area. Fire and weather conditions can change quickly, and the public is encouraged to visit Alberta Fire Bans and check the weather before heading out.

Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
Before you head out this weekend, check out the Alberta Fire Bans or download the AB Wildfire Status app to stay informed.